DIY- Repairing MM540 Fibreglass Dashboard


Thread Starter #1
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Hi all, this is an ongoing DIY for my friend's MM540.


We all know that getting parts for old vehicles is very difficult and most of times we end up in gujris or chor bazaars.
Like that we bought the dashboard for this beast.
mm-540.jpg

It was in decent condition except some minor cracks and broken areas of screw holes.
With my assurance that it's repairable, he bought it. I was more happier that i got a chance to do another DIY! [;)]

So here it is!

Man, Materials and Machineries used:

Manpower - 2

Machinery - one dremel with cylindrical grinding bit and one grinder with sand disk.

Materials -

Fibreglass materials


  • Resin (1 Ltr) - Rs.145
  • Glass mat (0.4 Kg) - Rs.46
  • Accelerator (100 ml)- Rs.35
  • Catalyst/Hardener (100 ml)- Rs.35
Masking tape, paper, card boards, knife, scissors, gloves, masks, toothbrush etc

The repairing is like, grind off the broken or brittle areas and patch them with fibreglass. Let the photos speak now!

The dashboard condition.
fibreglassing-dashboard-mm540-01a.jpg
fibreglassing-dashboard-mm540-01c.jpg
fibreglassing-dashboard-mm540-01b.jpg

fibreglassing-dashboard-mm540-02a.jpg
fibreglassing-dashboard-mm540-18.jpg

Yeah that's me! You guys can wish me! [:D]
fibreglassing-dashboard-mm540-03a.jpg
 
Last edited:
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Re: DIY- Repairing the MM-540 fibreglass dashboard

Very excited to see the final outcome. Please post rest of pics as well.
All the best. :-)
 
Joined
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Re: DIY- Repairing the MM-540 fibreglass dashboard

Hey good to see you back buddy! Good luck! Eagerly waiting for more updates and pics [thumbsup]
 

350Z

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Another awesome upcoming DIY. Keep it up. Waiting for more details and images of the restoration process. :smile:

Drive Safe,
350Z
 
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I am stuck to this thread, you are an expert in precision plastics & fibre stuff. Eagerly waiting for further progress.
 
Thread Starter #10
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Fibreglassing process begins!!

The glass mat can be separated as layers and then make into pieces for easy application. The fibreglassing process was done at night so considering the low temperature I used the ratio like, for 100ml resin, 4ml of hardener and 4ml of accelerator. It will be good if you mix and use them in small quantities. Paper cups are used for mixing the resin.
fibreglassing-dashboard-mm540-10.jpg

fibreglassing-dashboard-mm540-11.jpg

fibreglassing-dashboard-mm540-12.jpg

fibreglassing-dashboard-mm540-13.jpg

If the gloves become sticky, pour some talcum powder on them.
fibreglassing-dashboard-mm540-14.jpg

I used an old toothbrush to apply the resin.
fibreglassing-dashboard-mm540-15b.jpg

fibreglassing-dashboard-mm540-16.jpg

Removing the paper supports after the resin cured.
fibreglassing-dashboard-mm540-17.jpg

The grinding process.
fibreglassing-dashboard-mm540-19a.jpg

Buddy!!
fibreglassing-dashboard-mm540-20.jpg

fibreglassing-dashboard-mm540-21a.jpg

fibreglassing-dashboard-mm540-22.jpg

fibreglassing-dashboard-mm540-23a.jpg

fibreglassing-dashboard-mm540-23b.jpg

fibreglassing-dashboard-mm540-25.jpg

fibreglassing-dashboard-mm540-27.jpg

fibreglassing-dashboard-mm540-28a.jpg

Today gave a single coat of matte black paint. Need 2 or 3 for the final finishing. The screw holes will drill at the time of installation.
fibreglassing-dashboard-mm540-30.jpg
 
Joined
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WOW !! Its look as if it has be done from a machine.

BTW : Where do we get all these materials ? May be I have to come for classes for learning from you.
 

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